06 June, 2013

Once every few weeks our agent in Taiwan packs up samples and prototypes from various factories and sends them to us. Sometimes it's just odd bits, new hardware for fenders, a new color of cable housing, etc. But this time we got some really interesting stuff.

Here is a nice 10-tooth jockey wheel. It comes with shims to fit many derailleurs. Modern derailleurs use 11-tooth wheels, so it's getting hard to find replacements for vintage derailleurs.

This is the new black Grand Cru headset. I think it's rather handsome.

How about this stainless steel cable housing? It should be perfect for restoring older bikes. It has a modern low-friction lining, but no plastic coating on the outside.

A Velo Orange expedition rim? What were we thinking?

Neat stuff, but we're saving the best for last. Casey will explain tomorrow.

Sealed bearings on the jockey wheels? And if you can include washers to replace older 40s/50s wheels on 3 and 4-speed derailleurs, then there'll finally be a durable substitute for old French gear like Simplex, Huret and Cyclo.